Hi, there!

Are you enjoying these carefree, lazy days of summer? What are your favorite summertime activities? Mine include eating ice cream (that’s an activity, right?), combing outdoor markets, touring gardens and lots of walking (so I can have more ice cream). By the way, July is National Ice Cream Month 🙂

However, I’d say traveling, especially road trips, would top the list. I could get in my wagon and just go! So while I’m on the go, check out these photos from an earlier trip to the southern coast of England.

But first, the winner of the signed copy of An Affair with a House is Inga from Lone Star (comment #47). Congratulations, Inga! I will be in touch regarding shipping. Thanks to everyone for making this drawing such a huge success. There were 450 entries!! 392 comments qualified as 58 were duplicates, follow-ups or anonymous / unknowns without information. A very special thanks to Phyllis Higgerson of Henhurst Interiors for both the book and her captivating photos of Bunny Williams’ garden. I couldn’t have asked for a lovelier guest post – thanks, again, Phyllis!

Now let’s take a little holiday to the southern coast of England.

Welcome to historic Emsworth, a small maritime town lined with specialist shops, quaint cottages with cute names, and local eateries.
Emsworth’s picturesque harbor has long attracted sailors, artists and visitors. Cheers, Mr. Harbor Master 😉
Driving into the city of Chichester to visit the majestic 900-year-old Cathedral Church of the Holy Trinity. Don’t miss the free concerts. There is also a hearty lunch with tea at the Cloisters Cafe.

What’s this? Foxed Grey – looks like a shop specializing in French antiques. I’m going in! What fabulous pieces! Let me stop drooling, and walk myself over to meet the proprietress, Fiona Lewin. Love your style, Fiona!
Look at all the dreamy mirrors with their original mercury glass plates. . .
. . .and the painted antique furniture!
A stylish grouping of old perfume bottles.
Antique flatware with ivory, mother-of-pearl or silver handles in vintage jam jars from France.
Vintage homespun towels draped on an old orchard ladder – clever! Fiona is a styling whiz. If you visit Foxed Grey, please tell Fiona that Loi sent you :)Foxed Grey
25 West Street
Chichester
West Sussex
PO19 1RZ

Outfitters to the gentry. . .hmmmm, sounds so posh! Maybe next time when I’m wearing smarter shoes.
Next, a visit to picture-perfect Bosham. There was an unhurried atmosphere around this quiet, little coastal village.
Bosham oozes charm. I could live there!

Thanks so much for visiting.
Happy July!
Loi